Your life can change in the blink of an eye.
Your home is vulnerable to damage during hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, or tornadoes when roof ridge vents, soffits, valleys, and other roof accessories fail. Securing the components of your roof during a storm can prevent water intrusion, the creation of windborne debris, and subsequent damage to your home’s roof and interior. Strengthen these parts of your roof today, so you are ready when high winds arrive.
Roof accessories refer to various products and materials used in conjunction with a roof system to enhance its functionality, appearance, or both. Some standard roof accessories include:
Have a licensed general or roofing contractor inspect your roof accessories to ensure they are anchored and secure.
FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: High-Wind Wood Frame Construction Edition
HurricaneStrong.org Soffit Checklist
Buyers Guide to Resilient Homes – Hurricane and Tornado Checklists
FEMA 499, Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series
Technical Fact Sheet No. 7.5, Minimizing Water Intrusion through Roof Vents in High-Wind Regions
FEMA P-55, Coastal Construction Manual: Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas
Protecting your home’s eaves, gutters, soffits, and vents from wildfire is crucial to prevent wildfires. Evaluate and modify these building components to keep wildfire embers from entering and igniting your home.
Eaves, Overhangs, and Soffits
Eaves, overhangs, and soffits are not typically fabricated with fire-resistant materials. That is why they pose a potential hazard in wildfire-prone areas. These critical home components, including those made with thin metal, untreated wood panels, and vinyl material, are highly vulnerable to wildfire because they melt or ignite, allowing the fire to spread onto the roof, into the attic, or onto and through the exterior wall.
Overhangs and the top part of exterior walls can trap windborne embers, convective heat, and radiant heat, so it is critical to construct overhangs and walls using noncombustible or fire-resistant materials.
Vents
There are various types of vents in a home, including vents for attics; ventilated cathedral ceilings; crawlspaces; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. During a wildfire, embers and hot gasses can enter vent openings and attic spaces, crawlspaces, and ductwork, spreading fire to the interior of your home. Dust, lint, and other debris collected at vent openings can also catch fire.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts fabricated with plastic can melt during a wildfire.
Branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris and vegetation trapped in gutters can catch ignite, create a fuel path, and spread wildfire to the roof.
FEMA P-737 Home Builders’ Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones
FEMA Rebuilding After a Wildfire
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Readyforwildfire.org
Many homes have accessory structures such as sheds, gazebos, pavilions, pergolas, and attached structures, including open carports. An unsecured accessory structure can be loosened, lifted, and moved by high winds during hurricanes, severe storms, or tornadoes, causing damage and creating dangerous conditions.
Engineering analysis after high-wind events often finds that damage begins when an attached or accessory structure fails, leading to even more significant damage to the home. For example, carports with poor connections to the house can be lifted by high winds and compromise the home’s roof. Insufficiently anchored structures such as sheds can break apart and become windborne debris that cracks windows and allows wind inside the house. Making sure these structures stay in place is critical to keep you safe and help prevent damage to the structure and your home.
Securing gazebos, pergolas, sheds, or other accessory structures against high wind requires several steps:
• Consult a licensed contractor or engineer in your area to have them determine if the anchorage and connections on your accessory or attached structures are sufficient to resist high-wind events.
FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: High Wind Wood Frame Construction Edition
FLASH. Resilient Design Guide: Concrete Construction Edition
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. It causes the most property damage of all types of natural disasters, comprising 90% of disaster-related damage in the U.S. annually. All 50 states have experienced flooding during the past five years.
Hurricanes and storms typically cause floods in the Eastern United States and the Gulf Coast. In the Western U.S., snowmelt and rainstorms are responsible for most flooding.
According to FEMA, one inch of floodwater can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Five inches can cause more than $45,000, and one foot can cost nearly $75,000.
How do I get started?
Take the following steps to mitigate and prevent devastating damage caused by flooding and rising water.
Take the following steps to mitigate and prevent devastating damage caused by flooding and rising water.
Why does it matter?
Covering your home’s windows during extreme heat can help keep you and your house cooler and more comfortable when it matters most.
What do I need to know?
Covered windows:
Overall, covering your windows during an extreme heat situation can help keep your home more comfortable and reduce your energy costs. It’s important to choose window coverings designed for energy efficiency and UV protection and to keep them closed during the hottest parts of the day.
Where do I start?
There are several cost-effective ways to cover your windows during extreme heat to keep your home cool. Here are some of the best and least expensive options:
Choose the window covering option that best suits your needs and budget while considering energy-saving benefits.
Why does it matter?
Deadly and destructive fires frequently follow earthquakes. In 1906, the infamous 7.8 magnitude San Francisco earthquake and ensuing fire killed 3,000 and razed large city sections, making it the most deadly in U.S. history. In modern times, severed gas lines are often the source of ignition, so it is essential to plan for and mitigate against the threat of fire.
One of the most effective ways to reduce fire risk after an earthquake is to locate your gas supply and understand how to interrupt the flow.
What do I need to know?
Where do I start?
A working gutter system with properly placed downspouts and drains will direct rainfall away from your home’s foundation to prevent flooding, erosion, and water buildup. However, your gutters will only perform if they are well-maintained and free of leaves and debris. An annual gutter inspection to look for holes, rust spots, or broken supports along with routine cleaning will ensure that your gutters are ready when heavy rains come.
What you will need for this project:
Those decks and plants that brought so much joy this summer need to be protected during the winter months so they are ready to go once the temperatures begin to rise. Also, winter brings a number of guests to your door, including snow and ice. Keep walkways and driveways clear and safe as guests arrive.
Your home is at heightened risk for wildfires if your landscape includes combustible vegetation and building materials. Grasses, yard debris, trees, shrubs, vegetation that burn easily, or features like wooden decks create a path for fire to reach your property and ignite your home. However, creating a defensible space through landscaping design can slow down or stop a wildfire by distancing your home from active wildfires’ embers, flames, and radiant heat.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Firewise program defines a Home Ignition Zone as an area extending up to 200 feet from a home. The goal for this area is to limit the amount of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding the house and to increase the moisture content of the remaining vegetation.
Start planning your wildfire-resistant landscape by understanding your Home Ignition Zone and creating a defensible space with up to four subzones. Zone One is closest to your home; Zones Two to Four move further away.
Identify fire-resistant vegetation options with high water content. Some less flammable plants species include dogwood, viburnum, redbud, sycamore, magnolia, beautyberry, oak, red maple, wild azalea, sweetgum, coontie, winged elm, black cherry, persimmon, wild plum, sugarberry, Florida soapberry, fringe tree, ferns, wild olive, blue beech, hophornbeam, and sparkleberry. Consult your local extension service to identify the best wildfire-resistant tree and plan choices for your area.
The latest Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety research suggests you designate Zone One to include your house and the first five feet around it. Follow these steps outlined by the NFPA.
Follow these NFPA recommendations to create firebreaks and help interrupt fire movement toward your home.
The following NFPA steps are not intended to eliminate fire but to interrupt the fire path, keep flames smaller, and prevent flames from leaving the ground and climbing so-called ladder fuels to ignite tree crowns.
Note that the crown spacing needed to reduce or prevent crown fire potential may be significantly greater due to slope, tree species, or other location-specific conditions. Check with your local forestry professional to determine the right choices for your property.
Your home is more likely to experience damage during a high-wind event if the area immediately around your home has objects that can be moved by the wind. If you have time, safely secure outdoor items or bring them inside (ex: furniture and other outdoor equipment on your patio or deck). Don’t forget trash cans, grills, toys, and potted plants. Keep them from becoming flying objects. Also remove any debris like fallen tree branches.
Downed, falling, and damaged trees account for most major wind-related house damage in hurricanes. More than 30 years ago, Hurricane Andrew toppled 38% of the trees in its path. Hurricane Charley knocked down 10,000 trees in Central Florida in 2004, and Hurricane Katrina’s 120 mph-plus wind speeds took down approximately 20% of urban trees in 2005. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated 26 square miles of the tree canopy, an area equal to the size of Pensacola, Florida, plus four additional square miles. The Hurricane Michael tree losses introduced a multi-year wildfire threat as the downed trees decayed across the affected forests.
Tree damage is a dangerous problem in tornadoes as well. Beyond wind intensity; factors influencing tree damage include:
While you cannot build a home strong enough to withstand the weight and impact of a large tree, you can plan and maintain your landscape to reduce the risk of trees falling on your home. Certain species are more vulnerable to wind damage, such as southern pine, pecan, red oak, and water oak. Species with shorter life spans are more susceptible to storm damage as well.
Consider three factors when evaluating your yard: species, tree health, and location. Place trees far enough from your home that they could fall without causing damage. Maintain the space between your home and any nearby tree to ensure it exceeds the fully grown tree height.
In addition to trees, you should evaluate your hardscape and other elements that might cause damage in high winds. Secure or remove barbeque grills, fences, flag poles, garden decorations, lawn furniture, outdoor lights, and swing sets. Anchor building components, such as gutters, downspouts, and exterior air conditioning or pool equipment.
Check your yard for weakened trees that could fall or lose limbs during high winds. Look for:
Call and text or email a picture to your local home improvement garden center, nursery, or government extension office if you have questions about your trees.
Some tree species are more prone to storm damage. A tree more likely to survive storms is compact, with a low center of gravity; a strong, sturdy trunk; and a deep, symmetrical root system. City foresters, government extension offices, home improvement garden centers, nurseries, and landscape firms can advise on smart tree selection for your area and soil conditions.
Rock and gravel landscaping swiftly become projectiles in high-wind events. Consider replacing these landscaping materials with fire-treated mulch to reduce the risk of damage when severe weather begins.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, causing billions in economic losses each year. The National Flood Insurance Program states that 90 percent of all United States natural disasters involve flooding, making it essential to do all you can to prevent damage. Your yard and landscape are the best places to start.
Where it rains, it can flood. However, you can design your yard to help prevent damage by directing water away from your home and foundation with berms and culverts, planting suitable species to absorb water, and using landscape materials that allow water to flow through to the ground.
Maintaining energy efficiency in your home is always important but especially during extreme heat. Ensuring your home can maintain cooler temperatures inside is crucial to remaining safe during hot summer weather.
Because most gas and water lines are rigid, they can be torn from their connection points during an earthquake. Damaged gas and water lines can injure you and others and damage your property. A broken gas line is especially serious because of its potential to start a fire or cause an explosion.
High wind events like hurricanes and tornadoes as well as fast-moving floodwaters or tsunamis can move or dislodge fuel tanks causing a threat to you, your family, and others. Take action today to keep your fuel tank in place.
Earthquakes may move fuel tanks. When a fuel tank falls, fire or an explosion is possible. Even when a tank remains on its legs, the shaking of an earthquake can break the supply line connection and escaping gas can cause a fire. Similar risks exist with smaller, compressed gas cylinders, which are often stored inside a house or garage.
Anchor your fuel tank to avoid serious threats to you, others, your property, public safety, and the environment.
The contents of your home can be as dangerous as the structure itself during an earthquake, or even more prone to cause you or your family injury. This is especially true of items that hang on the walls such as artwork or other interior decorations.
During an earthquake the following household items can become dangerous:
The contents of your home can be as dangerous as the structure itself during an earthquake, and may be even more prone to cause harm to you or your family. Any unsecured objects that can move, break, or fall as an earthquake shakes your home are potential safety hazards and property losses. During an earthquake, large pieces of furniture can fall on you or others and block exits which could prevent you from escaping. Anchoring furniture so that it remains in place can prevent injuries and protect your home and its contents.
During an earthquake the following household items can become dangerous:
Pipes can freeze in winter’s low temperatures. This freezing can cause major damage to your home if a pipe ruptures and leaks once it thaws.
For as little as $1 per 6’ of insulation, you can stop pipes from freezing during winter, even when the power goes out.
Here are more ways to protect your home:
Attachments to your home, such as decks, porches, fences or sheds, can act as fuses or fuel bridges for a wildfire, particularly if constructed from flammable materials.